Audrey Tucker Jennings

November 15, 1921 - June 8, 2021

Audrey Tucker Jennings was born in D’Lo, Mississippi on November 15, 1921 to Joe and Gertie Tucker. She went home to be with the Lord on June 8, 2021. She is predeceased by her husband, Gordon Jennings, her sister Madge Williamson, and her two brothers, Gerral and Malcolm Tucker. She is survived by three step-daughters, Debby Finley, Daleann Bronson, and Cindy Heady (Don). She is also survived by seven nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and were a significant part of her life: Candy Barnes (Bill), Danny Williamson (Terry), Pat Howard (Jim), Rocky King (John), Buddy Tucker, Carla Tucker, and Gerral “Sonny” Tucker (Shirley). She also leaves a large extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A lifelong Christian, Audrey grew up at Speedway Baptist Church. After she and Gordon married, they became members of Cherry Road Baptist Church. Following his death in 1989, Audrey joined Bellevue Baptist Church where she was an active member of the Stoneking “Truth Seekers” class. For over 20 years, she served as a volunteer in the Food Service and Hospitality ministries, and was a familiar face at Wednesday night dinners and special events. Audrey grew up in Memphis and graduated from Tech High School in 1940. Her first job was at the Army Services Depot during WWII. In 1945, she took a job as a Ticket Agent for American Airlines and began her lifelong career. Her job as an employee at American afforded her many opportunities to travel and she travelled extensively across the United States and around the world. She loved her job and never missed a day of work in 35 years. Spanning almost a century, Audrey’s life was characterized by her energetic personality and her servant’s heart. Her love for volunteering and serving others was a hallmark of her life. She volunteered in numerous organizations throughout her lifetime, including the Red Cross Gray Ladies where she worked with paralyzed veterans at the old VA Hospital on Getwell. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for MIFA well into her 80’s. As a retired airline employee, she became a volunteer in the Blue Suede Shoes service at the Memphis International Airport, serving there until her early 90’s. Audrey embraced life and lived each day to the fullest. She loved to dance and enjoyed ballroom dancing, line dancing, and tap dancing. She even competed in a senior tap dancing competition at the Mid-South Fair at the young age of 90! Audrey also loved pets. For as long as anyone can remember, she always had a dog, a cat – or both – none of which knew the meaning of the word “no.” To her family and friends, Audrey will always be remembered as the consummate hostess. She prepared both “down home” and gourmet meals with equal ease. Her beautifully set tables were worthy of any fine dining magazine and she always had fresh flowers on the table, regardless of the season. She had the gift of hospitality, welcoming family, neighbors, and guests from all over the world into her home. So often, we eulogize people and remember them for the happy times and good things that happened in their lives. But, many times, it is the difficult times that tell the most about us. No stranger to life’s challenges and heartaches, Audrey faced each one with strength, dignity, and love. She loved her family with all of her being and was always there when needed. As a friend, she stood by you through all the ups and downs of life. No matter what life threw at her, Audrey forged ahead and took each day as it came. Enduring love, unwavering commitment, and perseverance were hallmarks of her character through all of the adversities of life. Truly a remarkable woman, Audrey left an indelible impression on the hearts of those who knew and loved her The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, June 11 from 9:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 am at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis. The burial will immediately follow.